Radical Islam is usually only seen through the eyes of outsiders. Whether in the newspaper, on television, or in social media, the face of radical Islam is portrayed as a zealous insurgent destined to spread terror and suffering. But for one man seeking the will of God, his path was simply a dream to become holy.
Religious Wave—A Radical Islamist’s Journey to Peace shares an insider’s view of the personal testimony of Hassan—a man who wished otherwise but found himself destined to follow a road to radicalism. From a young life in Lebanon to terrorist training camps in Iraq, Hassan’s journey was beset with questions of family, faith, friendship,and politics. And while his recruitmentto a movement shaped his views and implicated him in extreme terrorist acts, Hassan took the initiative to alter his views and correct his ways.
On the outside, radical Islam is extreme, frightening, and revolutionary. But for one insider, the real revolution would be challenging his apparent destiny and leaving a unique mark that is fa r from where he began.